Have your say on improving ACT housing choice

The Canberra community is being encouraged to have their say on broadening the mix of housing in the Territory, with a new Housing Choices Discussion Paper issued today for community consultation.

The ACT Government is committed to providing housing that works for all Canberrans, and has listened to community feedback about their desire for a greater range of housing options, including free-standing houses, apartments, townhouses and other housing types.

“By providing more housing types we can cater for a greater range of needs for the community, for example for an older person or couple in a large family home wishing to downsize to a smaller house, a young person looking for an affordable apartment, or a young couple looking to get started in the housing market by buying a townhouse. We want to hear from Canberrans about what sort of housing they want and how greater housing options can be delivered,” Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman said.

“This consultation is all about to improve our understanding of how Canberrans want to see their city develop and what options the Government needs to consider when planning new suburbs and managing urban infill.

“We want to get residential planning and design right. Community engagement on the discussion paper is a valuable way for Canberrans to contribute their ideas on how to achieve better housing outcomes, and be a part of the planning process in our city.

“We have seen an increase in urban infill projects in recent years, which has allowed Canberrans the opportunity to access affordable housing closer to town centres,” Minister Gentleman said.

Minister for Housing and Suburban Development Yvette Berry said the consultation would be important in the government’s work to develop a new ACT housing strategy.

“Making sure housing developments meets the needs of people is a vital thread to the government’s housing policy, alongside other affordability measures and housing services,” Minister Berry said.

Consultation on the Housing Choices Discussion Paper closes on Friday 9 March 2018. For more information, visit www.yoursay.act.gov.au